Pentagon: US intelligence to Ukraine "making difference" in fight against Russia

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During a hearing, US Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ronald Moultrie stated that the US is assisting Ukraine with intelligence that is helping it fight Russia.

Addressing the US House Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Moultrie stated that "intelligence that we are sharing and the work that we're doing to support the Ukrainian government is making a difference," calling it "accurate, timely, and actionable."

According to the Under Secretary, Ukraine is pleased with the US help.

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said Russian armed forces have destroyed nearly 1400 tanks and armored vehicles, 177 UAVs, and 182 Ukrainian aircraft since the beginning of Moscow's special military operation in the country.

He also declared that since its operation kicked off in Ukraine, Russia destroyed 182 aircraft or helicopters, 177 UAVs, 1393 tanks and armored vehicles, 134 missile launchers, 523 Howitzers and mortars, and 1182 military vehicles.

Although the US has made it explicit on many occasions that it has no intention to send armed troops into Ukraine, it has been a cheerleader for Ukraine going to war since as early as December.

According to a declassified accounting of transfers and sales examined by The Washington Post, the United States significantly increased its supply of "lethal military aid" to Ukraine as the potential of an escalation with Russia drew closer.

According to the list, the Pentagon began arming Ukrainians with weapons and equipment suited for combat in urban areas as early as December, including shotguns and specialist suits to protect soldiers handling explosive munitions.

Two days ago, the US announced an additional $800 million in aid to Ukraine, totaling $1 billion in aid last week.

No-fly zone rejected

Zelensky's pleas to NATO have grown more desperate as he has repeatedly urged the US and the EU for more lethal aid, including planes and a no-fly zone.

If a no-fly zone is too much for Ukraine to ask for, President Volodymyr Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday, then Kiev could be given aircraft and S-300 air defense systems.

Kiev had made an admission that establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine as Russia's special military operation in the country continues could potentially lead to a direct war between the Russian Federation and NATO, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Volodymyr Zelensky's office. However, it was still reiterating the plea for the action.

Ukraine has long been asking NATO and the United States to impose a no-fly zone in its airspace, but Brussels and Washington have dismissed the requests.

When the military operation in Ukraine broke out, Zelensky was left with the fact that although NATO and the US hyped Ukraine for war with Russia, Kiev was left abandoned. 

The Ukrainian President addressed the Ukrainian people saying, "We ended up defending our country alone. Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone."